New York Knicks' Carmelo Anthony defends owner James Dolan's decision to record MSG trash talk

New York Knicks star Carmelo Anthony is the undisputed star of the show in London, where his team plays the Detroit Pistons on Thursday.AP Photo

LONDON -- Even across the Atlantic Ocean, the carnival-like setting that surrounds all New York teams didn't entirely escape the Knicks on the eve of their Thursday game against the Detroit Pistons at The O2.

Anthony attempted to confront Garnett both outside the Celtics' locker room and outside their team bus after the game, resulting in intervention by New York police, Madison Square Garden security and Knicks coach Mike Woodson.

Woodson was disinclined to discuss Dolan's decision to install the recording devices on or near the MSG floor in response.

"I don't follow it and haven't followed it," Woodson said. "I have better things to worry about than this (microphone) thing that you guys are talking about."

KNICKS NOTES

--Iman Shumpert, who suffered a torn anterior cruciate ligament and lateral meniscus during the Knicks' first playoff game against the Miami Heat last season, figures to see his first playing time since then against the Pistons and could start, barring any late setbacks. Shumpert's return is welcomed news for the Knicks, who already are missing Marcus Camby and Rasheed Wallace with left-foot injuries and Raymond Felton with a broken finger. Tyson Chandler, last year's NBA Defensive Player of the Year, missed Wednesday's practice with the flu but the team is hopeful he'll be ready to play against the Pistons.

--The Knicks and Pistons followed similar travel plans with one notable exception: The Pistons practiced after arriving Tuesday, while Woodson gave the Knicks that day off. "I don't really want to comment on their situation," the Knicks' Chris Copeland said. "I think when you make a flight like that it can be kind of tough on the body sometimes, especially adjusting the jet lag and whatnot. I think it was best for us to give it some time."